Fall in Farmingdale is one of my favorite seasons. Farmingdale and our surrounding communities are filled with traditions and events that mark this special time of year. While the weather did not cooperate with our annual Columbus Day Fair, the traditional kickoff of the fall season, our fire department was able to get the parade in and salvage a day at the fair. As Halloween approaches, another wonderful tradition, the Rag-a-muffin parades take place. Our Kiwanis Club will once again host the annual parade down Main Street on October 29 rain or shine. The parade will begin at Northside at 1 p.m. and continue down main St. to the Village Green. Our North Massapequa neighbors are also hosting their 31st annual Rag-a-muffin costume parade on Oct. 30. Hosted by the North Massapequa Fire Department, the parade starts at 11 a.m. at North Nassau Ave. and North Broadway in North Massapequa. I hope that you can attend one or both of these events. Our children have a great time and the more cheering spectators along the parade route, the more fun the children will have.

This time of year is also Fire Safety month. Our local fire departments host their annual open house and present programs on home fire safety, offer blood pressure screening and demonstrate their skills, equipment and services. I hope you were able to attend the Farmingdale Fire Departments open house this past Sunday. They provided very valuable life saving information and very informative exhibits. I thank them for providing this important. If you are interested, you can still attend the South Farmingdale Fire Departments open house on October 28 from 7:30-10 p.m. at their Headquarters on Main St. in South Farmingdale.

As daylight savings time ends, the fire departments and I want to remind you to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly and that the batteries are charged. As always please enjoy all the season has to offer and remember to drive carefully and watch for children playing.